July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
“Trafficking” is a term we see and hear in news reports and usually have to make an effort to understand. It is most often used to describe illegal business practices like; trafficking in arms (weapons), or drug trafficking. When it describes business transactions involving people it is called ‘Human Trafficking’, and it is literally the buying and selling of human beings as a commodity. It is the modern day slave trade.
When that human trafficking is specifically for commercialized sexual activity it is called “Sex Trafficking”. It is literally the buying and selling (or renting) of human beings as sexual slaves. It is just as crass and a lot more abusive than it sounds. It is illegal in most countries in the world, and yet is still practiced in most countries. It is estimated to produce over $150 billion per year worldwide, and it exploits the most vulnerable people in society. The customer base that drives this business is predominately privileged, middle-aged men.
Government agencies estimate that this slave trade victimizes over 40 million people each year. The shear quantity of effected people and financial profits generated eclipse the 400 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade … by far. This injustice adds to the gross negligence and shame of our generation in our collective inability to prevent or combat human suffering or moral degradation.
According to the United Nations,
“Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit, or destination for victims. Traffickers the world over continue to target women and girls. The vast majority of detected victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation and 35 per cent of those trafficked for forced labor are female. Conflict further exacerbates vulnerabilities, with armed groups exploiting civilians and traffickers targeting forcibly displaced people.”
Engedi Refuge provides safety and restoration for victims of sex trafficking. We provide long-term housing, clinical therapy, education and extensive personal support for some of the most criminally abused and traumatized people in the U.S.
You can make a difference today!
Please join us in being part of the solution to one of the worst problems the world has ever seen.